The Republic of Reka Dzielo

The 'Republic of Reka Dzielo' is a collective of artisans in a small pocket of Warmia, Poland. 'Reka Dzielo' is difficult to translate but means something close to Rekodzielo, meaning hand-made. The 'Republic of Reka Dzielo' is a beautiful area with vibrant seasons, wonderful landscapes, friendly and creative people. The Republic's President, the poet Piotr Romanowski, and the community celebrate the year with a festival inviting local artisans and musicians from around the world. Watch the video below for a taste of things at the festival which in 2009 began with the straw bale cabin workshop led by Jarema.

The Republic of Reka Dzielo has big skies, beautiful colours and bright stars. Below is a small selection of pictures from 'Reka Dzielo' taken by the photographer Micia Bojenko. You can see more of Micia's pictures on micia.rekadzielo.eu



Photographs by Miroslaw Micia Bojenko

Artists of Reka Dzielo

The artists here use natural materials such as wood, wool and stone to make wonderful mosaics, sculptures, jewellery and pictures. When you come to a Green Hamlet workshop you will be able to attend a special exhibition of work by these artists. Please follow the links below to see more details about each individual artist and their work. In some cases their work is available online.

Ania Bernaszewska: Mosaics
Ula Raczak: Painting on wood and felt work
Asia Posoch: lavender products and felt work
Becia Szalno: Paintings
Paweł Pekalo: Stone and metal art
Eliza & Artur Rosa: Jewellery
Dorothy Sikorska: Jewellery
Justyna Sosnowska: Ceramics & Design

Products of Reka Dzielo

This special pocket of people produce some of the tastiest and stylish products in Poland. Among these products you can find honey, cheese, natural cosmetics, flowers, felt, furniture, hand-made clothes, wine, syrups, eggs, fresh milk, bread, biscuits, preserves and herbs.

Activities in Reka Dzielo

There are many opportunities to learn new skills in Reka Dzielo. Among them are:

Cosmetics workshop with Asia
Horse riding with Dorota
Cheese making with Oliver
Felt making with Ula
Asana yoga with Monika
Tai-Chi in Nowo Kawkowo with Master Miszczyk (Thursdays only)
Figure drawing with Inna
Sweat lodge building with Jarema
Dance workshop with Iwonka & Kasia
Theatre workshop with Wacek

Volunteer in Reka Dzielo

If you would like to stay in Reka Dzielo for longer there are some volunteer opportunities where you can exchange your work for accommodation.

Reka Dzielo hosts Poland's only lavender field where many lavender based products are made with care, love and flare. Around the last two weeks of June and early July the lavender is harvested. Asia, who is famous in Poland, will provide you with accommodation in exchange for your work, typically 5 to 6 hours per day. You will find yourself surrounded by colour, scents, sunlight and congenial company.

Adding to the collection of Polish natural homes are Pestek & Ania who are building a strawbale home near Nowo Kawkowo. Pestek is an experienced builder, a very practical man, happy to share his knowledge with you as a volunteer. They will provide you with self-catering accommodation in exchange for 5-6 hours of your work.